Mozambique

CAFOD supports the work of the Salesian Society in Tete, Mozambique, to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farming communities.

Over two thirds of the population of Mozambique live below the poverty line. Half the population lives on less than a dollar a day.

Mozambique is highly dependent on external aid. It is essentially an agricultural country, but fluctuating weather patterns including cyclical droughts and floods have devastated agriculture in recent years. Many people are small-scale farmers, but struggle to produce sufficient crops and access markets. Whilst in recent years the economy has grown steadily, the wealth generated has not been equally distributed. At the same time, land-grabbing for large economic projects is affecting the poorest rural communities, in the absence of a clear national plan for land use or policies in support of alternative livelihoods. Children in Mozambique are particularly vulnerable to illegal trafficking in organs.

CAFOD in Mozambique

CAFOD is working with Church partners and community organisations in Mozambique in the following ways:

Enabling farmers, particularly women, to understand their rights to land, according to Mozambique’s Land Law, so that as farming communities they may engage with decision-making on land use and management

Supporting farmers to improve the quality and quantity of their produce and access markets

Raising public awareness of trafficking of children and body parts

Working with local authorities and services to develop and push for strategies to combat illegal trafficking and protect vulnerable children.

Maria has been involved in activities with our partner Don Bosco / Salesian Fathers to improve her income from farming.

"All my life I thought only men could be responsible for earning money for the family”